Business
FG Commends Dangote Cement’s Economic Diversification Roles
. . . Minister lauds Cement Plant’s promotion of best practices
The Federal Government has commended the leading roles being played by the Dangote Group in complementing government’s efforts to diversify the economy and the company’s dedication to promotion of best practices in its operations.
Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Saloko expressed the views while on a familiarisation visit to Dangote Cement plant, Ibese, Ogun State.
According to a statement from the Dangote Group on Thursday, the commendation came even as the Ogun State government identified the company as a key driver of the state’s economy with the citing of Africa’s second biggest cement plant in the state.
The Minister’s visit was followed by a community engagement preparatory to the Expert Panel Review of the report of an Environmental Impact Assessment carried out on Coal milling at the Plant.
The Minister said, “Dangote Industries as a whole is an international conglomerate and I am happy that the company is at the forefront of promoting best practices in terms of conception, planning, implementation, management of factories that are manufacturers like this.”
Dr. Salako and his entourage, who were received by the Plant Management led the Plant Director, Azad Nawabuddin, described mining as one of the key industrial sectors that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had targeted for economic diversification as the nation embarks on gradual shift from oil and gas dependency.
He said it was for this reason that Dangote Cement should be commended for the huge cement plant which is creating jobs and opportunities for export.
He added that limestone mining activities, a key raw material in cement manufacturing is one such area that attention of the government was shifting to.
Dr. Salako pointed out that while mining sector has huge potential to develop the nation’s economy, many challenges are associated with mining activities. He then commended Dangote cement for its adherence to best practices, saying, “having gone round to see the operations in the plant, I give kudos to Dangote Cement for the automation and high technology-driven operations.”
He explained that his visit was not unconnected with the Environmental Impact Assessment, which is being done on the plant’s Coal Mill, noting “there is a need for mining operations to be done in a sustainable manner so that the environment is not adversely affected. But I applaud Dangote Cement for being at the forefront of promoting best practices.”
The Minister said further, “For us in the ministry of environment, it means we must also sit up. Mining as it comes with its advantages, also comes with its challenges. So, we must be up and doing, as we expand the economy and grow Nigeria. We should also do it in a sustainable manner so that the environment is not adversely affected.
“We must continue in that respect to ensure that best practices are always promoted, environmental and social impact assessments are properly carried out, the stakeholders are properly involved, and the environment is properly protected so that our growth can be sustainable. That’s why we are here and I am happy that Dangote is at the forefront of that.”
On his part, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, who represented the Governor, Dapo Abiodun said the state was a beneficiary of Dangote Cement’s presence with the amount of levies and taxes it has paid into the state coffer.
He called for a more collaboration between the state agencies and the company noting that the state was not unaware of the activities of the plant to lift its host communities.
He added that the state would be more than ready to assist the company in any way possible.
In his remark, Nawabuddin took the minister through the social investments and infrastructural milestones recorded by the Plant since inception, saying the Company has been able to substantially contribute to infrastructure development and employment in the host communities.
The Plant Director told the Minister that the plant deals with 17 host communities across Yewa North and Ewekoro Local Government Areas of the state, saying they have greatly felt the impacts of the company through empowerment programmes and provision of infrastructure.
The Dangote Cement Zambia, a subsidiary of the Dangote Cement Plc has bagged three awards at the 6th national Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Sustainability Awards in Lusaka, the Zambian capital.
It was gathered that at the awards organised by CSR Network Zambia, the company carted home the Food Security Initiative Award in the Excellence in Agriculture category, the Best Waste Recycling Initiative Award in the Environmental Sustainability category, and the Mental Healthcare Award in the Excellence in the Workplace category.
The award ceremony with the theme Driving Sustainable Impact through Innovation place held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Lusaka.
ALSO READ: Palliatives: ADF Gifts 80,000 Bags Of Rice To Lagos
The event saw the participation from the country’s over 60 major corporate organizations celebrating outstanding impactful CSR & Sustainability initiatives.
CSR Network Zambia’s Executive Director, Lee Muzala, commended Dangote Cement Zambia for its outstanding contributions to sustainable development and community empowerment.
He stated, “Dangote Cement Zambia has demonstrated exceptional commitment to driving positive change in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and workplace well-being. These awards are a testament to their dedication to creating a lasting impact in Zambia.”
Receiving the award, Head Environment and Social Performance (Sustainability Lead) Dangote Cement Zambia, Víctor Mpundu said, “We are deeply honoured to receive these prestigious awards. They reflect our unwavering commitment to sustainability and our efforts to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. At Dangote Cement, we believe that sustainable development is not just a responsibility but a core value that drives our operations.”
These awards are a significant milestone for Dangote Cement Zambia, highlighting the company’s leadership in sustainability and corporate social responsibility. They underscore the company’s efforts to promote food security through agricultural support, environmental conservation through innovative waste recycling initiatives, and employee well-being through mental health and wellness programs.
The recognition not only reinforces Dangote Cement Zambia’s position as a socially responsible corporate citizen but also serves as a motivation to continue driving impactful initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development of Zambia.
The Dangote Cement Plant, Zambia, located in Ndola, is a 1.5mta capacity fully integrated plant and part of Dangote Cement Group. In addition, Dangote Cement has operations in Cameroon (1.5Mta clinker grinding), Congo (1.5Mta), Ghana (2.0Mta clinker grinding and import), Ethiopia (2.5Mta), Senegal (1.5Mta), Sierra Leone (0.5Mta import), South Africa (2.8Mta), Tanzania (3.0Mta).
Dangote Cement is Africa’s leading cement producer with 52.0Mta capacity across Africa. A fully integrated quarry-to-customer producer, with a production capacity of 35.25Mta in its home market, Nigeria. Obajana plant in Kogi state, Nigeria, is the largest in Africa with 16.25Mta of capacity across five lines; Ibese plant in Ogun State has four cement lines with a combined installed capacity of 12Mta; Gboko plant in Benue state has 4Mta; and Okpella plant in Edo state has 3Mta.
Through recent investments, Dangote Cement has eliminated Nigeria’s dependence on imported cement and has transformed the nation into an exporter of cement and clinker, serving neighbouring countries.
. . . Sanwo-Olu Lauds Dangote For Prioritising Nigerians Above Profits
As part of nationwide efforts to ameliorate the sufferings of ordinary Nigerians, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has flagged off the distribution of 80,000 10kg bags of rice to the vulnerable in Lagos State.
President of Dangote Group and Chairman of the foundation, Aliko Dangote, who was represented by an Executive Director, in the Group, Hajiya, Marya Dangote noted that the gesture is part of the over one million 10kg bags of rice that would be distributed to reach one million vulnerable people in the 774 local government areas of the country.
Speaking at the flag off in Alausa, Dangote, said the distribution of the 80,000 bags of 10kg rice is another demonstration of the foundation’s commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of humanity.
Noting that the distribution of the rice is in addition to the daily distribution of thousands of loaves of bread in Lagos, Dangote stressed that with the initiative, the foundation aspires to ameliorate some of the burdens faced by vulnerable communities across Lagos State.
In his remarks, Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, applauded the many initiatives of Dangote to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians, while praising him for showing compassion to the needy in the society.
Dr Hamzat, who received the ADF delegate led by its Trustee, Hajiya Marya Aliko Dangote and Managing Director of the Foundation, Mrs Zouera Youssoufou, on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed gratitude for the consistency of the foundation in spreading love and charity across Lagosians, which he described as one of the importance of Ramadan and Lent season.
Sanwo-Olu said the gesture of distribution of 80,000 bags of 10kg rice shows that the leadership of the Foundation prioritize the welfare of the people beyond the pursuit of profit and accumulation of wealth.
The Governor said: “Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian that has chosen to be different. You have choices but you have made the right one which is caring for the vulnerable. I appreciate Mr. Aliko Dangote for extending his kind gestures to the people at the bottom of the pyramid and we are grateful for supporting us in government. There is a lot of global disruption in different parts of the world, and it is a tough time to be in a position of leadership,” he said.
While encouraging other wealthy Nigerians to emulate Dangote, the Governor said the distribution of the rice would support the initiative of the state in addressing the effects of the economic hardship.
“This is a special month of fasting by both Christians and Muslims as the Ramadan and Lent season fall in the month of March. One of the best ways to show the essence of this season is through giving to the needy and that is what the ADF has shown.
“In Lagos State, we also have a robust food initiative programme for farmers and all Lagosians with the Ounje Eko food in all local government areas of the state where the state government subsidises 10 per cent of the food prices to buyers.
“We appreciate the kind gesture of the Mr Dangote and his foundation for always showing support to Lagos State. We enjoin all well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the initiative and give back to the society.
Speaking further, Dangote noted that Lagos state holds a special place in the hearts of the Group, hosting two of its major investments – Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Plant.
He disclosed that the Dangote Group is also working on the nutrition agenda and has made significant strides in food fortification, investing in iodized salt and vitamin A fortified sugar. He stressed that the Group actively promotes food fortification within the Nigerian food industry and is exploring fortification methods for staples like rice and wheat and bouillon cubes to help ensure improved nutrition nationwide.
“At the heart of the Aliko Dangote Foundation lies a deep-seated belief in the importance of nutrition in human capital development. We understand that access to nutritious food is not only a basic human right but also a critical determinant of good health and well-being. By providing these modest bags of rice to those in need, we are not only looking to alleviate immediate hunger but also investing in the long-term health and prosperity of our communities,” he added.
Business
BREAKING: NNPC Champions Effective Use Of Host Community Funds For Niger Delta’s Sustainable Development
The NNPC Limited has reaffirmed commitment to ensuring that funds allocated under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) are effectively utilized to deliver meaningful development in host communities.
This the detailed in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Monday evening under the signature of its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye.
According to him, the pledge was made at a stakeholder engagement session held with the KEFFESO Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), a cluster of host communities comprising Koluama 1 and 2, Ezetu 1 and 2, Foropa, Fish Town, Ekeni, Sangana, Opu Okumbiri, Okumbiribeleu, and Oginibiri in Bayelsa State, under the NNPC Limited/FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) JV, at the weekend.
At the engagement session in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, said NNPC Ltd was committed to ensuring that funds approved for the development of host communities under the PIA are channelled towards projects that address critical needs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Engr. Omotowa who was represented by the Deputy Manager, External Relations, NUIMS, Mrs. Edith Lawson, stressed that collaboration between stakeholders was essential to achieving lasting socio-economic development.
In his remarks, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, commended the NNPC LTD/FIRST E&P JV for sustaining its strategic partnership with KEFFESO HCDT and urged community leaders to work together to ensure peace and stability in their communities.
He emphasized that without peace, companies would struggle to operate effectively, ultimately impacting the 3% Host Community Fund approved in the PIA for development initiatives.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Commissioner, Safety, Environment, and Community, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Captain John Tonlagha, who represented the Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, commended the institutionalization of the community development trust initiative, describing it as a defining moment in Nigeria’s petroleum sector with the introduction of the much-needed governance, transparency, and accountability in community development efforts.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, who was represented by the Board’s Director of Legal Services, Barr. Naboth Onyesoh, commended the KEFFESO HCDT for its commitment to driving sustainable development through the PIA framework and the NUPRC for successfully incorporating over 100 Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) to support socio-economic growth in the region.
On his part, the Managing Director of FIRST E&P, Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, who was represented by Mr. John Alamu, commended the KEFFESO HCDT for creating a platform that encourages dialogue, collaboration, and accountability, describing it as a model for other host community development trusts to emulate.
The Chairman of the KEFFESO HCDT, His Royal Highness, Moses Theophilus, lauded the NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P JV for its proactive steps in ensuring that the KEFFESO communities benefit significantly from the PIA framework.
The forum concluded with a collective call for sustained collaboration, emphasizing that the success of the PIA depends on strong partnerships, peace, and a shared commitment to community development.
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